So, you’ve decided to take on the ultimate running challenge and sign up for the Colorado Marathon. Congratulations! Not only will you be achieving a major personal milestone, but you’ll also be part of an incredible community of runners who have all pushed themselves to achieve the same goal. But before you lace up those running shoes, let’s go over the basics of marathon training.
Check Your Form
One of the biggest mistakes that beginner runners make is not paying enough attention to their form. Bad habits can be hard to break later on down the road, so it’s important that you establish good technique right away. That means focusing on everything from your posture and stride length to how quickly your feet are hitting the ground. Don’t forget to incorporate stretching into your pre-run routine as well! Stretching can help avoid those dreaded post-run cramps and aches.
Begin With Short Distances
The most important tip we can give any new runner is to start small and build from there. Don’t jump straight into running 20 miles a day; instead, start with short runs like 2-3 miles and gradually increase your distance each week. As your stamina increases, so will your confidence in tackling longer distances.
Find Your Gear
Once you have the form down, it’s time for some shopping! You don’t need fancy or expensive gear when starting out, but there are a few essentials that will make all the difference in your runs. Think quality shoes with plenty of cushioning and support; breathable clothes; perhaps even a watch or fitness tracker to track your progress as you go along. And don’t forget about hydration! Invest in a quality water bottle so you can stay hydrated during longer runs.
Cross-Training
Running isn’t the only form of exercise that should be incorporated into your training plan. Cross-training activities such as biking and swimming can help improve overall endurance while also giving your muscles a break from running every day. Incorporating strength training routines into your exercise plan can also help prevent injuries while building muscle strength and improving your performance overall.
Stay Hydrated & Fueled Properly
Staying hydrated is essential when it comes to long-distance running, so make sure to bring plenty of water with you when you head out for a run! Furthermore, fueling yourself properly before, during, and after each run will ensure that you have enough energy to last through the whole marathon distance—and beyond! Try incorporating protein-rich foods such as lean meats or nuts in addition to complex carbohydrates such as pasta or rice into your diet throughout training season.
Training for a marathon may seem overwhelming at first glance—but it doesn’t have to be! As long as you stay consistent with both your running routine and cross-training exercises while taking steps to stay hydrated and fueled properly along the way, you’ll be crossing that finish line in record time! Good luck—you got this!